[Differential characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation compared to those with transient ST-segment elevation].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate different characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation compared with transient St-segment elevation. DESIGN An observational, prospective study. SETTING A 12-bed coronary care unit. PATIENTS Consecutive patients of ACS without persistent ST-segment elevation. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST The population was divided intro 2 groups according to the presence of transient ST-segment elevation. Variables of interest were age, cardiovascular risk factors, troponin I and glucose concentrations on admission, coronary anatomy, left ventricular ejection fraction, inhospital mortality and drugs. RESULTS Patients identified as ACS with transient ST-segment elevation were significantly younger, smokers and predominantly male. At the same time, they showed a minor peak elevation of troponin I, a higher ejection fraction and, mainly single-vessel coronary disease. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ACS with transient ST-segment elevation differ in the type of population, myocardial damage and coronary angiographic results with respect to patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation. More research is needed to clarify whether these differences imply a different therapeutic approach.